Webb gazed into M74 with its Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) in order to learn more about the earliest phases of star formation in the local Universe. This, coupled with its well-defined spiral arms, makes it a favourite target for astronomers studying the origin and structure of galactic spirals. The Phantom Galaxy is around 32 million light-years away from Earth in the constellation Pisces, and lies almost face-on to Earth. M74 is a particular class of spiral galaxy known as a ‘grand design spiral’, meaning that its spiral arms are prominent and well-defined, unlike the patchy and ragged structure seen in some spiral galaxies. A lack of gas in the nuclear region also provides an unobscured view of the nuclear star cluster at the galaxy's centre. Webb’s sharp vision has revealed delicate filaments of gas and dust in the grandiose spiral arms which wind outwards from the centre of this image. This image from the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope shows the heart of M74, otherwise known. The European Space Agency (ESA) has published a beautiful new image created by data from both the James Webb Space Telescope (JWST) and the Hubble Space Telescope (HST). Lee and the PHANGS-JWST Team ESA/Hubble & NASA, R. Links Pan of the Phantom Galaxy Hubble and Webb Showcase M74 Pan of Combined optical/mid-infrared image of M74 (Hubble and Webb) Image A Image C ESA/Webb, NASA & CSA, J. In this way, data from Hubble and Webb compliment each other to provide a comprehensive view of the spectacular M74 galaxy. Scientists combine data from telescopes operating across the electromagnetic spectrum to truly understand astronomical objects. Such a variety of galactic features is rare to see in a single image. Bubbles of star formation are also visible in pink across the arms. Heavier, older stars towards the galaxy’s centre are shown in cyan and green, projecting a spooky glow from the core of the Phantom Galaxy. The young stars throughout the arms and the nuclear core are picked out in blue. The red colours mark dust threaded through the arms of the galaxy, lighter oranges being areas of hotter dust. With Hubble’s venerable Advanced Camera for Surveys (ACS) and Webb’s powerful Mid-InfraRed Instrument (MIRI) capturing a range of wavelengths, this new image has remarkable depth. the NASA/ESA Hubble Space Telescope and the NASA/ESA/CSA James Webb Space Telescope. M74 shines at its brightest in this combined optical/mid-infrared image, featuring data from both.

Phantom galaxy james webb